head chart in music meaning | TheMusicDictionary

The Meaning of "Head" in Music

In the context of music, the term "head" can have different meanings depending on the genre and context. Let's explore some of the common uses of the term:

1. **Main Theme**: In its broadest sense, the "head" of a piece of music refers to its main theme or melody. This is particularly true in jazz, where the term takes on a more specific meaning. In other types of music, "head" may refer to the first or most prominent section of a song ).

2. **Jazz Charts**: In jazz, a "head" can also refer to a specific type of musical notation called a "chart." A jazz chart typically includes the key and time signature, the melody, the set of chord changes (referred to as "the changes"), and sometimes lyrics. It provides a framework for improvisation and serves as a guide for musicians during performances ).

It's important to note that the term "head" can have different meanings depending on the musical context, so its precise definition may vary.

Sources:(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_(music))

A slang expression, primarily in jazz, that refers to a performance of a composition where there is either no written music (performed from memory or from their "heads") or where the performers use a fake book to provide the written melody and chord progression. The performers will then improvise the melody and harmony. The vast majority of songs performed this way are in the basic song form (A-A-B-A) where the A section is refered to as the head and the B section is refered to as the bridge.